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“Good Morning, School Girl” was a blues single by Sonny Boy Williamson in 1939 and since then has been covered numerous times as “Good Morning, Little School Girl.” Those giving it their own special treatment include Muddy Waters, the Yardbirds, and Huey Lewis & the News. It was also the first single in the U.S. for Rod Stewart. Like Sonny Boy Williamson’s 1939 release on Bluebird, Rod Stewart’s 1965 version on Press Records can get you $200.00 today.

Sarah Vaughan’s career took off in 1943 when the Apollo Theater asked her to be the opening act for the legendary Ella Fitzgerald. It was Dave Garroway, one of the early hosts of the “Today” show that gave her the nickname, “The Divine One.” Other nicknames were “Sassy” and “Sailor” because she could embarrass a longshoreman with her salty language. One of her biggest hits came in 1959 with “Broken Hearted Melody,” now worth up to $20.00. Her 1954 10-inch album, “Images,” can get you $400.00 today.

The most successful album for Van Halen is “1984.” The single, “Jump,” from the album is Van Halen’s only # 1 hit. With over 12 million copies sold, the value for “1984” is no more than $10.00. However, “Jump” was also included on a lesser-known Van Halen album called “Summer Time.” Released on Vampire Records out of Canada in 1984, it also contains “Hot for Teacher.” The “Summer Time” album can get you $300.00 today.

Rolling Stone magazine includes “For Your Precious Love” by Jerry Butler and the Impressions on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. The value all depends on the record label. On Abner or Falcon records the single can get you $50.00, but an original 1958 copy of “For Your Precious Love” on Vee Jay Records is really precious at up to $2,500.00 today. A 1965 re issue is no more than $10.00.

The Mamas and Papas had a colorful and legendary career. In 1970, Michelle Phillips, formerly with the Mamas and Papas, married actor Dennis Hopper of “Easy Rider” fame. They divorced 8 days later. Thankfully, their list of hits lasted much longer. Their first big smash, “California Dreamin,” was released in 1965. A copy on Dunhill Records with picture sleeve can sell for $400.00 today.

The Doors 45 that started it all is “Light My Fire.” It would ignite a remarkable career for the group and its infamous lead singer, Jim Morrison. An original copy on a standard Elektra label is worth up to $25.00 but on a yellow Elektra label with the Elektra girl logo it can now sell for $150.00.

Philles Records issues their first single in1961,“There’s No Other Love Like My Baby” by The Crystals. Philles is a combination of the first names of owners Phil Spector and Les Sill. The Crystals’ 45 is valued up to $40.00 but their first album from 1963, containing the hit, can now sell for $350.00.

In 1955, Sun Records founder Sam Phillips launched America’s first all-female radio station, WHER, in Memphis. The slogan used then could not be used today. Being the news department was all female, the quip was “and now the news from a broad.” Among the most collectible records on Sam’s Sun label is “Lonesome Old Jail.” An original copy on 78 rpm can sell for $5,000.00 but the 45 rpm single with “Greyhound Blues” on the flip side is now worth up to $20,000.00.

The story goes that a young British boy, Raymond Jones, walked into Brian Epstein’s Liverpool record shop in 1961 and asked for a single called “My Bonnie” by Tony Sheridan  and The Beat Brothers. Epstein went to see the band live and was so impressed with the backing group, the Beat Brothers, that he signed on as their manager and they became the Beatles. An original copy of “My Bonnie” by Tony Sheridan and the Beat Brothers on Decca Records is now worth up to $12,000.00. Originals have a multi-color stripe across the center. Bootlegs are black and silver without the color stripe.

Lou Reed, songwriter and guitarist died of liver disease at the age of 71 in 2013. Reed was the leader of the Velvet Underground in the 60’s. The band has many collectible records like the single, “Sunday Morning,” from 1966. Release on Verve Records, a copy can sell for $1,500.00 today.